How to Trim Around a Dog's Eyes

Introduction

Trimming the fur around your dog's eyes can be a bit tricky if you or your dog are feeling nervous or anxious. This is not a difficult task if you can get your dog to sit still long enough and keep a steady hand yourself. Trimming around your dog's eyes helps to keep your dog's eyes safe and healthy. Preparation for this task is key. You will want to try to get as much fur away from your dog's eyes as possible before you get started.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog may be a little nervous about having
scissors really close to his eyes. If you are confident and have a steady hand, your dog will sense your confidence and have confidence in you. If you are a
little bit nervous, your dog will feel that too, so be sure to go into trimming
the fur around your dog's eyes with a positive attitude so your dog can feed
off of your energy.

The Scissors and Comb Method

Effective

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Scissors

Comb

Step

1

Gather tools

Be prepared with everything you need to clip the fur around your dog’s eyes. Once you have your dog in place, relaxed, and comfortable, you will not want to disturb him to gather supplies you’ll need. You will need scissors and a comb.

Step

2

Lie down

Have your dog lie down and relax. Talk to him, assuring him of his safety. You can also use this time to touch around his eyes and along his face to get him used to this kind of touch during this grooming session.

Step

3

Stand behind

If your dog is lying on a table, stand behind him. If he’s a larger dog lying on the floor, sit behind his head.

Step

4

Comb

With a small comb, gently comb the fur around the eyes up and away from the eyes. This should smooth out the fur and get out any tangles.

Step

5

Scissors

Let your dog sniff your scissors before using them. Gently trim around your dog’s eyes with these scissors. If your dog moves his head, gently restrain with a towel around his head. For larger dogs, you may need the assistance of a partner to keep the head from moving. Trim until you are satisfied with the look.

Recommend grooming method?

The Easy Trim Method

Effective

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Scissors

Comb

Step

1

Play first

Tire your dog out by playing or running with him. Tiring your dog out before an eye fur trim will help him relax and rest as your trim around his eyes.

Step

2

Wipe

Wipe down your dog’s eyes, cleaning out any gunk and getting the fur cleaned as well. You can use a dog wipe or a paper towel wet with warm water.

Step

3

Brush

Groom your dog with a good undercoat removing brush to get as much of your dog’s coat out of his fur. Be gentle around the eyes, but try to brush as much around your dog’s face as possible.

Step

4

Harness dog

To keep your dog safe, harness him to a grooming table or stronghold to keep his head still and the dog from leaping off the table. If you need, you can have a partner hold your dog in place. Small dogs can be held in someone’s arms while large dogs may need another person holding their heads or simply being nearby.

Step

5

Comb

Comb the fur above your dog’s eyes upward. Comb the hair along the sides of the eyes outward. And comb the fur under your dog’s eyes downward but keep the fur up so it’s not lying against the skin. Bringing the fur out from around your dog’s eyes will help get it up and away from the eyes.

Step

6

Trim

Clip each area by resting small thinning shears against your dog’s head or face. Be gentle and slow to avoid any injuries. Resting the scissors against the skin will help keep a steady hand. Do not point scissors directly toward your dog’s eyes.

Step

7

Patience

Have patience with yourself as well as with your dog. Trimming around your dog’s eyes will take some practice.

Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

Never point scissors directly at your dog's eyes.

Always hold straight edge scissors parallel to your dog's face. In the event you slip or your dog moves, the point of the scissors isn't near your dog's eye.

With a small comb, pull the hair up and away from your dog's eyes.

Pay close attention to any fur that may be twisted and turned and heading inward toward your dog's eye.

While you are trimming the fur around your dog's eyes you can also do a quick eyelash check to make sure your dog does not have any eyelashes growing inward.

Take this one slow the first few times so you both feel confident it will be done without injury.

Give yourself a couple of tries before expecting your dog's eyes to look exactly the way you want.

Ask your veterinarian for ideas of quick things to look for while you are trimming your dog's eyes such as discharge or swollen eyelids.

Conclusion

Trimming the fur around your dog's eyes requires some trust. You'll need to make those puppy eyes ones you will fall in love with time and time again while keeping your dog safe and sound. Make this an easy task with practice, and your dog will look fur-licious.